JP2018523138A - Detection device - Google Patents

Abstract

A thermal camera (2) capable of sensing infrared radiation to acquire a thermographic image, and a thermal camera (2) inserted therein, and a window that allows the thermal camera (2) to acquire a thermographic image A protective case (3) having a first operating position disposed outside the protective case (3) and overlaid on the window to protect it from environmental disturbances and the thermal camera (2) shifted from the window so as to obtain a thermographic image A pressurized air system for supplying air to the interior of the protective case (3) having a screen (5) movable between a second operating position and an inlet (8) external to the protective case (3) 7) and an arithmetic processing command and control unit (10) for detecting at least one thermographic image (1) To disclosure. The pneumatic system (7) functions functionally inside the protective case (3) and regulates and distributes the air connected to the external inlet (8) controlled by the processing command / control unit (10). Means (12) for
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a detection device, and more particularly to an apparatus for detecting a thermographic image of a metal processing plant (eg, a metal processing plant dedicated to die casting).

  Related die casting plants generally comprise at least one die composed of two halves (a half die) into which molten metal is injected. The die is closed by a hydraulic press throughout the time of pouring and is opened to remove the cooled and solidified piece when pouring is finished.

  An apparatus configured for a metalworking plant to detect thermographic images is known and relates to a system for controlling a technical process to optimize the operating temperature, for example EP 1 535 034 ( EP 1535034).

  The detection device comprises a so-called thermal camera with radiation sensors, for example directed to each half die.

  When opening the die, a radiation sensor, particularly capable of sensing infrared radiation, acquires the thermal parameters of the surface of the half die, in particular by acquiring a thermographic image.

  The acquired data is transmitted to an electronic command / control unit connected to the detection device using corresponding wiring for subsequent processing.

  The detection device includes a protective case that houses the thermal camera. This protects the thermal camera from the typical environmental disturbances of the die casting process.

  In that case, for example, a window closed by a germanium lens is arranged. Through this window, the thermal camera can acquire the above-described thermographic image.

  The detection device comprises the window shutter or screen described above, thereby protecting the thermal camera from ambient disturbances during plant operation.

  The shutter is movable between the first operating configuration and the second operating position. In the first operating configuration, the window is open, i.e. the field of view of the thermal camera is open to acquire a thermographic image. In the second operating position, the window is closed and protected.

  The detection device comprises a pneumatic system connected to the inside of the case for cooling the radiation sensor and connected to the outside of the case at the window to keep the closed lens clean.

  The prior art solution has several drawbacks.

  The compressed air system includes a unit connected to a compressed air source for distributing air and a plurality of pipes for supplying air from the distribution unit to the protective case.

  The distribution unit is arranged outside the protective case. To prevent excessive pressure loss, the unit must be placed within approximately 10 meters relatively close to the case and sensor, thus limiting the feasibility of setting the control system.

  The cooling of the radiation sensor is performed by continuously injecting air into the inside of the case, which results in a relatively large consumption of air and the cooling of the sensor is not totally optimal.

  Pipes for supplying air to the protective case are arranged outside the case and the distribution unit and are therefore subject to environmental disturbances and are thus particularly vulnerable.

  In view of this situation, the main object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for detecting a thermographic image that is more applicable than prior art solutions and that can be placed more freely with respect to a corresponding air source.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for detecting thermographic images that is more robust and more reliable than prior art solutions.

  The technical objectives and specific goals mentioned above are fully achieved by an apparatus for detecting a thermographic image according to claim 1.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for detecting a thermographic image, with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
1 is a schematic perspective view partially showing in block form a first configuration of a detection apparatus according to the present invention, partly cut for the sake of clarity. Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view, partly in block form, of the detection device of Fig. 1 with part cut away for the sake of clarity. It is shown by the schematic front view which showed the 2nd structure of the detection apparatus of the previous figure which cut one part for easy understanding.

  Referring to the accompanying drawings, the reference numeral 1 indicates an apparatus for detecting a thermographic image, preferably of a metal processing plant (eg metal processing plant for die casting).

  Related die casting plants generally comprise at least one die comprised of two half molds into which molten metal is injected. The die is closed by a hydraulic press throughout the time of pouring and is opened to remove the cooled and solidified piece when pouring is finished.

  The apparatus 1 is suitable for use in any type of casting process, such as low pressure casting (casting) by gravity on a die or the like.

  The apparatus 1 comprises a thermal camera for acquiring a thermographic image, which is sensitive to infrared radiation, with a corresponding block 2. The thermal camera 2 is a well-known type and will not be further described.

  The thermal camera 2 has a focus adjustment device (not shown). The device 1 comprises a drive unit for a focus adjustment device which is used in a thermal camera and schematically shown as a block 2a.

  The apparatus 1 is provided with a protective case marked 3 in which a thermal camera 2 is inserted.

  Case 3 is used to specifically protect the thermal camera 2 from ambient disturbances normally present in plants that are preferred where the apparatus 1 is used.

  In addition, with reference to FIG. 3, it describes that the protective case 3 has the window 4 which enables acquisition of the thermography image by the thermal camera 2. FIG.

  The window 4 is preferably protected by a germanium lens that is suitable for use in very high temperature situations.

  The device 1 includes a screen 5 disposed outside the case 3. The screen moves, for example, between a first operating position superimposed on the window 4 as shown in FIG. 1 and a second operating position displaced from the window 4 so that the thermal camera 2 can acquire a thermographic image as shown in FIG. Is possible.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 5 is mounted on the case 3 and rotates about an axis R that is perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 3 to transition between the first and second operating positions. be able to.

  The device 1 comprises an air motor, shown schematically as block 6, for moving the screen 5 between the first and second operating positions described above.

  The apparatus 1 comprises a pressurized air system for supplying pressurized air for supplying pressurized air to the inside of the case 3 for a plurality of functions, which will be described below, indicated generically by reference numeral 7.

  The pressurized air system 7 comprises an inlet connector 8, schematically shown as a block 9, for connection to a pressurized air source outside the case 3. The connector 8 actually constitutes an inlet for pressurizing and sending air into the case 3.

  The apparatus 1 also comprises a computerized command and control unit, shown schematically as block 10. The command and control unit is configured to command and control the device 1 as described in more detail below.

  Specifically, for example, the unit 10 is configured by a dedicated programmable logic controller (PLC) that manages or controls the device 1.

  The case 3 has a connector 11 for connecting with an electronic unit 9 so that data and commands (commands) can be exchanged between the unit 10 and the inside of the case 3.

  Preferably, the connector 11 is configured to connect to the electronic unit 9 by an Ethernet line for transmitting thermographic images and a data line for transmitting commands.

  In short, the electronic unit 10 is connected to a thermal camera 2 for receiving thermographic images and preferably to a drive unit 2a for making any adjustment of the focus adjustment device.

  Preferably, the device 1 includes an electronic card connected to the electronic unit 10 schematically shown as a block 10 a inside the case 3. The electronic card functions as an interface between the unit 10 and the part to be controlled or the part that communicates with the interior of the case 3 in a well known manner.

  For convenience of explanation, the following description will be made on the assumption that another component is directly connected to the unit 10, but preferably the connection is made using the card 10a.

  The pressurized air system 7 described above comprises means 12 for adjusting and distributing the air acting inside the protective case 3 connected to the connector 8 to receive pressurized air from the source 9.

  As will be described in more detail below, the unit 10 is configured to control the adjustment / distribution means 12.

  The adjustment / distribution means 12 includes a first solenoid valve 13 connected to the inlet 8.

  Downstream of the solenoid valve 13, the pneumatic system includes a well-known, preferably vortex tube 14 (ie, a Rank-Hilsch tube) disposed outside the case 3.

  The vortex tube 14 has an inlet for pressurized air connected to the solenoid valve 13 using the conduit 13a, an outlet for cooling air connected to the inside of the case 3, and a release outlet for hot air.

  More specifically, the cooling air outlet is connected to the inside of the case 3 using the conduit 15.

  The solenoid valve 13 is between a first operating configuration in which the vortex tube 14 or conduit 15 is closed or not supplied and a second operating position in which the vortex tube 14 or conduit 15 is opened and connected to the compressed air inlet 8. It is possible to move with.

  The solenoid valve 13 basically adjusts the introduction of new air into the case 3 necessary for cooling the thermal camera 2.

  The thermal camera 2 needs to be maintained at the operating temperature, i.e. at a temperature that falls within the maximum range to avoid measurement errors.

  Preferably, the device 1 includes a temperature sensor 16 disposed inside the case 3 and connected to the electronic unit 10.

  The computer processing unit 10 is configured to control the solenoid valve 13 between the first operation configuration and the second operation configuration in accordance with the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 16.

  Preferably, in this way, cooling air is supplied into the case 3 only when necessary. And the consumption of air is reduced compared to the solutions of the prior art and the operation of the thermal camera 2 is optimized.

  Preferably, the pressure in the case 3 is maintained at a value higher than the external pressure, i.e., the case 3 is in an excessive pressure state with respect to the outside so as to prevent intrusion of contaminants from the outside.

  Preferably, the pressure in case 3 is maintained at a predetermined value by a properly calibrated vent (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the means 12 for regulating and distributing air comprises a solenoid valve 17 for opening the screen 5 and a solenoid valve 18 for closing the screen. Both solenoid valves 17 and 18 are connected to the electronic unit 10.

  The solenoid valve 17 is connected to the motor 6 using a corresponding conduit 19. The solenoid valve 18 is also connected to the motor 6 using a corresponding conduit 20 for supplying pressurized air from the inlet 8 to the motor 6.

  Solenoid valves 17, 18 are between each first operating configuration in which the associated conduits 19, 20 are closed and between each second operating position in which the associated conduits 19, 20 are opened and connected to the inlet 8. It is possible to move with.

  In a well-known manner, the screen 5 opens in response to the pressurized air supplied to the air motor 6 through the solenoid valve 17 and the conduit 19, and the pressurized air supplied to the air motor 6 through the solenoid valve 18 and the conduit 20. Closes the screen 5.

  Preferably, the means 12 for regulating and distributing the air comprises a device for regulating the opening and closing speed of the screen 5 schematically indicated by a block 23.

  A device 23 which is preferably set from the outside of the case 3 influences the pressure difference between the solenoid valves 17, 18 which determines the opening / closing speed of the screen 5.

  Preferably, the device 23 is adjusted to somewhat brake the last stop of the screen 5 during the transition from the open position to the closed configuration and from the closed configuration to the open position.

  In the preferred embodiment shown by way of example, the pneumatic system 7 comprises a screen 5. That is, the screen 5 defines a conduit for blowing air.

  As shown schematically in FIG. 2 in which the screen 5 is in the closed position, the screen 5 has an inlet 5a (preferably at the axis of rotation R) and an outlet 5b at the window 4.

  The adjusting means 12 includes a solenoid valve 21 connected to the electronic unit 10 and the compressed air inlet 8.

  The adjusting means 12 comprises a conduit 22 that functions between the solenoid valve 21 and the inlet 5a in the screen 5.

  Solenoid valve 21 is movable between a first operating configuration in which conduit 22 is closed and a second operating position in which conduit 22 is opened and connected to inlet 8 and source 9.

  The electronic unit 10 is configured to control the solenoid valve 21 between the first operation configuration and the second operation configuration in order to blow air into the window 4 through the outlet 5 b in the screen 5.

  In the preferred embodiment, the solenoid valve 21 is always open.

  In a different embodiment, the solenoid valve 21 is opened when the screen 5 is in the closed position shown in FIG.

  Significant advantages are obtained by the invention described above.

  The structure of adjusting and distributing pressurized air operated by adjusting means arranged inside the protective case can be simplified as a whole.

  The elimination of external piping increases the reliability of the solution. This is because the number of external parts that are easily damaged is reduced.

  The external connection for connecting to a pressurized air source that can be arranged at a point distant from the case 3 can be made sufficiently simple. This is because air conditioning / management is performed inside the case and does not need to be performed outside.

  With the external drive unit used in the thermal camera, the space inside the case 3 can be rationalized optimally and cooling can be improved overall.

  Data and commands are exchanged between the internal parts of the case and the electronic command / control unit using a single cable connected to the corresponding connector.

European Patent Application Publication No. 1535034

Claims (7)

A device for detecting at least a thermographic image,
A thermal camera (2) capable of sensing infrared radiation to obtain the thermographic image;
A protective case (3) into which the thermal camera (2) is inserted;
With
The protective case (3) has a window (4) that allows the thermographic image to be acquired by the thermal camera (2);
The device is
The window (4) disposed outside the protective case (3) and overlaid on the window (4) to be protected from environmental disturbances and the thermal camera (2) to acquire the thermographic image. A screen (5) movable between a second operating position displaced from
A compressed air supply system (7) inside the protective case (3) having an inlet (8) outside the protective case (3);
In an apparatus comprising:
The compressed air system (7) includes an air adjustment / distribution means (12) that functions functionally inside the protective case (3) and is connected to the external inlet (8).
The air adjustment / distribution means (12) includes a plurality of solenoid valves connected to the external inlet and a plurality of conduits connected to the solenoid valves,
The said apparatus is a detection apparatus provided with the electronic control and command unit (10) of the said solenoid valve. The detection device according to claim 1,
The adjustment / distribution means (12) includes a first conduit (13a, 15) for blowing air into the protective case (3) to cool at least the thermal camera (2), and the first conduit (13a). 15) and a first solenoid (13) operatively acting between the external inlet (8) and the first conduit (13a, 15) for supplying air to the
The first solenoid (13) is connected to the external inlet (8) by opening the first conduit (13a, 15) and the first operation configuration in which the first conduit (13a, 15) is closed. Movable between the second operating position,
The electronic control and command unit (10) is a detection device configured to control the first solenoid (13) between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration. The detection device according to claim 2,
A temperature sensor (16) disposed inside the protective case (3) and connected to the electronic control / command unit (10);
The electronic control / command unit (10) controls the first solenoid (13) between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration as a function of the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor (16). A detection device configured to do. The detection device according to claim 2 or 3,
A vortex tube (14) disposed between the first solenoid (13) and the protective case (3);
An inlet for pressurized air in the vortex tube (14) connected to the first solenoid (13);
An outlet for cooling air of the vortex tube connected to the first conduit (13a, 15);
With
The vortex tube (14) is preferably a detection device arranged outside the protective case (3). In the detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An air motor (6) for operating the screen (5) to move the screen (5) between the first operating position and the second operating position;
The adjustment / distribution means (12) includes at least a second conduit (19, 20) connected to the air motor (6) to supply the air motor (6), and the second conduit (19). , 20) at least a second solenoid (17, 18) operatively acting between the external inlet (8) and the second conduit (19, 20) to supply air,
The second solenoid (17, 18) is connected to the external inlet (8) by causing the second conduit (19, 20) to open and the first operating configuration in which the second conduit (19, 20) is closed. A detecting device that is movable between the second operating position. In the detection apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 5,
The pressure system (7) includes the screen (5), which is a screen (5) having a second inlet (5a) for blowing air, which is connected to the inside of the protective case (3), and the protective case. An outlet (5b) for blowing air out of (3),
The adjusting / distributing means (12) includes a third conduit (22) connected to the second inlet (5a) and the first external inlet (8) for supplying air to the screen (5). And a third solenoid (21) operatively acting between the second conduit (22) and the third conduit (22),
The third solenoid (21) has a first operating configuration in which the third conduit (22) is closed, and a third operating state in which the third conduit (22) is opened and connected to the first external inlet (8). Movable between two operating positions,
The electronic control and command unit (10) is preferably configured to blow air to the window (4) through the outlet (5b) in the screen (5), preferably in the first operating position. A detection device configured to control between the first operation configuration and the second operation configuration. In the detection apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 6,
The thermal camera (2) includes a focusing device,
The detection device includes an electrification unit (2a) for the focus adjustment device used in the thermal camera,
The electronic control / command device (10) is a detection device configured to control the motorization section (2a).

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